Castelia / Frequently Asked Questions

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What is so special about your products?

- Our standard jamb thickness is up to 2 5/8" thick, compared to the usual 1 ½". This makes Castelia™ windows highly
durable, extremely sound-proof, air-tight and energy efficient - plus they look expensive although they are not!

- All units are factory-finished with ShieldCoat™ paint or stain finish which doubles the lifetime of the exterior wood
finish when compared to a standard paint finish.

Check all the other features unique to Castelia™ windows:

- Only top-grade quality Mahogany or Scandinavian Pine wood from responsibly managed forests.
- State-of-the-art energy-efficient glazing. Our U value standard is a phenomenal .22 for dual-glazed Argon filled units,
far beyond code requirements. Desert-proof special sun protective glazing available for hot climates.
- Top-quality precision European hardware, important for long-term operating performance.
- Intelligently engineered weather sealing systems with two sealing levels against water/air infiltration
- Built-in ventilation channels inside the glazing rebates to prevent the glazing from becoming foggy over the years.
- Rounded edges for thick paint or stain coating and optimal water conduction
- Cross-grained wood sealing for long durability
- Muntins firmly joined by advanced cross joint gluing technique for long durability

How does your company differ from the typical window company?

We are a European quality manufacturer of wood windows and doors that has invested heavily in hi-tech production
systems, allowing to produce high-end windows and doors at an affordable cost. Nevertheless, each order is handled
individually. We build every window and door unit according to our customers' specifications for size, configuration,
wood, finish, glazing, hardware, and other options. So we're quite different from the well-advertised manufacturers of
standard windows. Their primary business is mass-production of standard-sized "off the shelf" units. However,
because they still use standard production methods, their windows cost almost the same as high-end Castelia™
windows.

Do I have to worry about your products meeting testing requirements?

Absolutely not. Our windows are approved by the strictest independent authority in the world, by the merciless German
official Window Testing Institute. This institution has given us a hard time over the years. Government pressure & high
energy costs in Europe added to high testing standards. But we are thankful. Because this has made us build windows
that easily exceed testing standards anywhere in the world.

Where have you exported windows to?

Our windows and doors grace fine residences in the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Asia

How do you fix your windows to the house openings?

We fix them like it has been done in the US for a long time, putting screws through the frame in such a way that you
cannot see the screws on the inside. Our difference: We use special screws with 2 different threads on one screw
thatmake the structure more stable. On the bottom rail we would use special brackets that fasten the windows to the
frame, to protect the frame from water draining into the holes, although we can prevent this through special sealing
anyway.

What about Nailing Fins?

We offer nailing fins too, if the opening accommodates this. In any case, we will provide the most suitable method for
zeroair leakage from the outside into the building.

We build original Tilt-turns as they are made in Europe. A three-position lever handle effortlessly opens the unit at the
top for ventilation, swings it inward for exit or easy and risk free cleaning, or locks it into the closed position.

On the practical side, Tilt-turns provide excellent climate control and easy cleaning. Since both the hinging and locking
portions (multi-point locking) of this hardware system are concealed when the window is closed, tilt-turns achieve an
elegant look while providing excellent security.

What is the advantage of lift and roll systems for doors?

Lift and roll systems are a truly sophisticated version of the standard sliding door. The main advantages are:
- Easy sliding due to rolling technology
- Long durability (no grinding)
- high energy efficiency due to airtight closing

Why is wood better than an aluminum or vinyl-clad product?

Wood is a durable yet highly versatile medium. For example, it is possible to achieve highly unique trim profiles at a
relatively low manufacturing cost. In addition, the exotic timbers used for Castelia™ windows and doors enhance the
design elements of your windows and entryways through the natural beauty and features of the woods you choose.

Which costs more, wood or aluminum?

Wood costs more initially, but in the long-term will save the owner money in lower air-conditioning and heating bills, and
fewer if any replacement costs. More importantly, wood windows and doors will certainly increase the value of the
home over the years.

How durable is wood?

Wood is extremely durable. Many historic buildings have wood windows, properly treated and maintained, which have
lasted hundreds of years. Especially when you understand the engineering side and build them well. A European wood
window is built and engineered to last for centuries.

Is wood difficult to maintain properly?

Proper maintenance isn't difficult, but must be performed when needed, as with any possession whose value you
want to preserve. Contact your Castelia™ dealer for dealers on maintaining your windows.

What about energy efficiency in wood windows?

Heat conduction of wood is near zero, and with the correct glass and weather sealing, energy efficiency is excellent.

What type of glass is best?

We provide the optimum glass for your needs, from bullet- and burglarproof to the special glass required in coastal
areas.We will work with you to ensure that the right glass is installed.

Can you give me a price list?

Because all our products are built to order, we need your specifications before we can give you a price quote.

How do I request an estimate?

Upon receipt of floor plans and a corresponding window and door schedule, your dealer will provide a preliminary
estimate for a project. Pricing is based on product selection, finish selection, as well as the size and complexity of the
project.

How long does it take to get an estimate on my project?

This varies depending on the scope and complexity of the job. We work with you to provide the timeliest exchange of
information possible.

How long is your turnaround time?

The length of time always depends on your project specifications, the complexity of the detailing, and the number of
orders we have queued up. As a general guideline, expect only 7 - 8 weeks to craft your windows and doors (shipping time is extra).

What happens after I order?

A Castelia™ Schedule is issued to the architect or contractor for review. Standard section details of the windows and
door types are available in dwg and dxf format. Upon receipt of a "sign-off" and payment of a deposit, Castelia™ will
begin production of the order and deliver the windows and doors directly to the jobsite. Production time is generally
around 6-8 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Shipping time to the US West coast is approximately 6
weeks, to the US East coast an average of 3 weeks.

How do you ship your windows and doors?

Our products are shipped directly from our manufacturing facility in Europe to the client's jobsite in a special ocean
container. Your product is always fully insured until it is accepted at its destination.

Do you provide a warranty?

Yes, our products carry full 10-year limited warranties on material and workmanship

Do you have experience building in the mountains?

Yes, a lot of our projects have been in the Alpine countryside. In high elevation locations, we include sealable breather
tubes in our insulated glass units to allow for pressure equalization. The durable woods we use are kiln-dried to match
the dry climates at high altitude.

Do you have experience building next to the ocean?

We know what harsh oceanfront environments can do to building products. We have done numerous waterfront
projectsover the past years, be it in Malibu, California or Europe's North Sea shores.

What about installation?

Goldbrecht USA Inc. makes a point of being available during the installation process to answer questions, make
recommendations or assist with any other items as needed. Your Castelia™ dealer will be experienced in installing
Castelia™ high quality products and can also answer any questions you may have.

It seems a long way to ship windows from Europe.

Our windows are transported mainly by ship and hardly see a highway. This is one of the greenest and most
fuel-efficient ways of transportation. In contrast, when windows are shipped within the US, say from the East coast
to the West coast, they see a lot of highways, adding to congestion, pollution & wasting the world's energy resources.